Ode to Utah Coal, Vol. 2
A 'cachet' is a quality that distinguishes something as unique, and it connotes a state of superiority.
A "railfan's cachet" is a quality that distinguishes something as unique, and it also connotes a state of superiority--but only from the point of view of the trackside enthusiast. Everyone else regards this same thing with a state of total aversion.
Okay... so I may have just made that up... But, it kind of describes our world, doesn't it? The things that are attractive to railfans are often the very same things that others view with antipathy.
Take for example Utah Railway's (UTR) roster of Alco locomotives. No career railroader would claim that, by the late 1970s, the UTR fleet of RSD-4 and 5s was a mark of superior distinction among railroads. No, they were derided by crews for what they were: second-hand, temperamental, smokey and old. And, the railroad operated them well beyond its peers--up until 1982. But of course, for railfans, the Alco fleet was Utah Railway's cachet--it was a railfan's cachet.
Watch the video below. It is probably worth it.
6 Responses
Walter Appel
Really enjoyed seeing the Utah Ry. ALCOs. During my only visit all were in the yard and nothing was on the line. Sorry I did not get to see and hear them in action.
BTW the original six motor units on the Utah are RSD4 and RSD5 The designation RSD3 never existed. ALCO did catalog and built RSC2 and RSC3 models, but not RSD3.
Thanks for making these great action movies available to us.
Sincerely,
Walter Appel
Griff Marton
Great film.
C E Hunt
The question mark was a thumbs up on my screen! Thumbs up Blaine!
C E Hunt
Very nice Blaine. ?
Ribert R Harmen
The initial six were all bought new by URy. Then as need required, they began buying used uniits. Have you sern article on the Utah in Diesel Era magazine?
Thank you, wondeful video.
Robert
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Blaine Hadfield
February 14, 2017
Walter: Good catch! I have checked my sources, and they matched your comments as well—so this was a typo on my part. I appreciate having your input!